Shadow Beings

39. Amicus

I lay on my bed, my eyes shut heavy. Even though nearly all exhaustion had washed away, being idle felt too relaxing.

The laughter of those close to me... such a pleasant state. If only we could always be like we were yesterday.

That would mean that we won't progress, wouldn't it?

The sounds of Nature's present pushed away my recent memories. Water droplets drummed against the clear window and it was as if a light aura was poking mine, trying to pick me up. It made me want to lie down on the grass, under the cover of bliss, but the lethargy still remained in my system and I didn't wish to move. 

What a dilemma.

One of my favourite tunes began to play in my head subconsciously, deepening Nature's ambience as everything else faded away. I stretched my arms while laying on the bed, only to curl to the other side.

A soft voice came by the door, so fragile as if it didn't wish to interrupt my head voice.

"Good morning, little raven."

As the door opened Galen poked his head inside, stifling a laugh. "Wake up, sleepyhead."

I shook my head and slammed the pillow on my face, my eye peeking out of the corner.

"Do you want me to sing that song your father made for you?" Galen's smile extended to the left as he slightly raised his eyebrow.

A subtle smile came on my face as I recalled the small song, the memory of my father's playful voice singing it sending waves of warmth within me. Sometimes, when I didn't wake up to his voice, he would resort to tickling and Galen would very eagerly join him.

Ah, those good old days...

"I'm not a child anymore," I said with a muffled laugh and Galen frowned, his strong gaze judging that statement.

"Suit yourself, a bucket of cold water coming right up," Galen said with a shrug, his face showing no emotion whatsoever.

"No thanks," I said quickly, throwing the pillow off my face and jumping out of bed, running to get ready. Galen laughed heartily and I rolled my eyes with a small smile.

"Get ready soon. We'll take a walk in the rain, I know you love this weather. Then we'll energise ourselves and leave for Alesund."

I threw a hand in the air with a thumbs up and he left with another hearty laugh, closing the door softly. My hands opened my little cupboard in a clumsy fashion and picked a top and a pant on a whim, not even looking at my choice. I quickly ran into the bathroom, hit my hand on the tap before I stopped, standing motionless.

Why in Zephyr's name am I running, I thought. I'm not endangered by cold water anymore.

Zephyr would not approve of me using her name this way.

With a rather absurd smile on my face I headed out, closing the door softly before rushing towards Sylva Vita. A cold but serene atmosphere greeted my mind, the rush of fresh air instilling a sense of thrill within me.

"Woah little raven, already forgot about me?"

I narrowed my eyes at Galen's lopsided grin, jogging towards his relaxed posture as he stood next to a small tree. He straightened his back, looking ahead. The two of us began walking towards the area where we would often train together, the looming banyan tree surrounded by drooping grass.

Drops shining under Nature's light.

My gaze was lifted towards the dim sky, the calming water leaving a cold sensation on my skin. I closed my eyes, taking in the sight of transparent pearls as they gently fell from dark puffs. A light breeze blew, cooling my face and messing my hair further and I felt relieved. The wind changed its speed, carrying the cold faster.